Research Presentations (session 2 of 5) - Lu, Okamoto and Watanabe

The format of this presentation is each of the three speakers will have approximately 15 minutes to present their research.  This will be followed by a short period of 5-10 minutes for any questions or comments from the audience.

In this session of the Corporate Affiliates Research Presentations, the following will be presented:

Jiangbo Lu, PetroChina, "The Influence Factors of International Crude Oil Price and the Feasible Countermeasure

Oil plays a vital role in the world economy, social development and national strategic security.  The international oil price fluctuates with dramatic and unpredictable changes and exerts far-reaching influences on the economic development of all countries across the world.  In his research, Lu shares a brief historic review of the international oil prices and analysis on the influencing factors of oil price fluctuation in the perspectives of supply-demand, finance, political and emergent events.  Further, Lu investigates the proactive and effective strategies for China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to have high-quality development by reducing costs and increasing benefits to enhance the company's cord competitiveness against the drastic fluctuations of the international oil price.  

Takeshi Okamoto, Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry, Japan, "The Role of Creation and Redistribution of Wealth with Regards to the Economic Welfare of a Country"

Increasing wealth often refers to material wealth such as income & property and, in general, is a good thing.  Economic growth always has high priority in government policy.  Utilizing AI technology, big data analysis, IoT, and so on, we aim to extend not only lifespan, but also "healthspan", to realize next-generation mobility technology, to foster talent for programming and so on from the viewpoint of economic growth.  All are important, however, by realizing these, will we be happier than we are now?  What issues should be considered as life expectancy exceeds 85 years while the population growth rate continues to decline?  In his research, focusing on people's happiness rather than economic growth, Okamoto aims to provide a slightly different viewpoint when considering the emphasis in government policies.

Hayato Watanabe, Hamamatsu Shinkin Bank, "Regional Financial Institutions:  Their Role in Connecting Japanese Manufacturing Businesses with Silicon Valley Start-ups"

Japan's global market share is rapidly shrinking.  As a regional financial institution, the Hamamatsu Shinkin Bank focuses on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).  With a goal of connecting enterprises in Japan with Silicon Valley Start-ups focusing on manufacturing, Watanabe has interviewed several Silicon Valley venture capitalists with expertise in manufacturing development.  In his research presentation, Watanabe shares his findings on how and why Japanese SMEs need to modify their business style and practices to expand their market share, including how to make prototype products with start-ups in Silicon Valley.